Probate Fees
At Chilcotts Law we appreciate and understand that it can be difficult to give a fixed fee on probate applications and dealing with an estate for you.
Not all estates are the same. Some are quite simple and others can be complex and become a lot more involved.
We would normally provide you with a best fee estimate based on how long we think matters will take to deal with in obtaining the grant of probate and then how long it will take to deal with the administration and dealing with the provisions of the Will, or what the law says if there is no Will.
We currently charge an hourly rate of £300 plus VAT charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20% (Total £360 including VAT).
This initial estimate is reviewed at key stages such as at the grant of probate stage, and then at least every 2 months after that. Interim fees will be raised throughout the matter and if you are an executor you will be provided with the copy fee notes as they are raised and advised of any likely changes to the initial estimate.
We have set out below the most common scenario’s for dealing with a probate matter and the likely estimated costs for you so that you can budget and know what to expect. The fees will normally always be met by the estate monies when collected in.
If there is not enough money in the estate to meet the legal fees involved in obtaining a grant of probate, or if the estate is some other way insolvent because the debts exceed the assets available we will always try to work with you to agree a fee for the work to be carried out so that you can budget and decide if you can afford to proceed.
VAT
Where VAT is said to apply it will be charged at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.
The fees below are a guide only and each case will vary depending upon the complexity and time engaged.
Tier One
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is no inheritance tax to pay and it is an excepted estate (usually on first to die or where there is full relief from tax) and you do NOT wish for us to do anything else in the estate.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £1,250 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £1,809 (inc VAT) |
Tier Two
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is inheritance tax to pay or there is a need for us to complete an inheritance tax return to claim relief, and you do NOT wish for us to do anything else in the estate.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £1,500 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £2,109 (inc VAT) |
Tier Three
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is no inheritance tax to pay, and you require that we deal with the estate administration to completion, with an average number of different assets in bank accounts, shares and property, and no complications arise.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £3,500 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £4,509 (inc VAT) |
Tier Four
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is normally inheritance tax to pay, and you require that we deal with the estate administration to completion, with an average number of different assets in bank accounts, shares and property, and no complications arise.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £6,500 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £8,109 (inc VAT) |
Tier Five
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is normally inheritance tax to pay, and you require that we deal with the estate administration to completion, with an above average number of different assets in bank accounts, shares and property, including property abroad, or requiring investigation. *We also reserve the right to charge an additional fee for care and conduct on a percentage basis in accordance with Law Society guidelines if carrying out work either as professional executors, or at the request of appointed executors or administrators in the estate to include the need to oversee and organise the funeral, the house clearance and other day to day matters required for the smooth and effective administration of the estate. The percentage fees are charged at 1.5% of the cash value in the estate and 0.75% on the property value in the estate. This is more common when we are required to act as professional executors or administrators, and we are required to deal with everything from the date of death onwards.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £8,500 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £10,509 (inc VAT) |
*plus care & conduct element (discretion)
Tier Six
Where you instruct us to obtain a grant of probate (with will), or a grant of letters of administration (no Will or no executors left alive, or with capacity), where there is normally inheritance tax to pay, and you require that we deal with the estate administration to completion, with a large number of different assets in bank accounts, shares and property, including property abroad, or requiring investigation. *We also reserve the right to charge an additional fee for care and conduct on a percentage basis in accordance with Law Society guidelines if carrying out work either as professional executors, or at the request of appointed executors or administrators in the estate to include the need to oversee and organise the funeral, the house clearance and other day to day matters required for the smooth and effective administration of the estate. The percentage fees are charged at 1.5% of the cash value in the estate and 0.75% on the property value in the estate. This is more common when we are required to act as professional executors or administrators, and we are required to deal with everything from the date of death onwards.
| Our fee | Court fee | extra copy grants | Total |
| £10,500 + VAT | £300 | £1.50 each (average 6) | £12,909 (inc VAT) |
*plus care & conduct element (discretion)
Extras to the above Tiers
Sometimes it is necessary to provide extras in addition to dealing with the estate or obtaining the grant. This could for example include drafting a Deed of Variation for the estate, drafting a Deed of Appointment of new or retiring trustees, or drafting a deed to appoint out of, or to close down a trust. In these circumstances we would normally charge an additional £350 plus VAT (£420 inc VAT) for dealing with such a requirement. Any conveyancing matters that stem from the estate administration process are NOT included in the above fee estimates and would be separately charged as per a normal conveyance. The conveyancing fees are set out elsewhere on this website and you can obtain an instant quote online immediately for your convenience.
Our terms are always provided to you (as executor or administrator) at the outset with the initial estimate for your review and agreement and will vary from matter to matter. We do not provide estimates or costs updates to beneficiaries of the estate.
It would not normally be necessary to undertake other work or incur other costs other than those described above. However, we would be very happy to provide you with a more tailored quote for all stages of your particular case once we know about your specific circumstances.